Witty's Funeral Home

02/20/2026

February 20, 2026

Janice A. Lupien

Orange-Janice A. Lupien, a beacon of kindness and a true kindred spirit, passed away on February 1, 2026 at the age of 74.
Born on May 3, 1951 to Alfred and Lois (Whittemore) James, she walked through life with a gentle grace, leaving behind a trail of beautiful, warm memories. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion. She possessed a rare and beautiful gift; the ability to see the good in everyone. She looked past imperfections, nurturing the beauty and goodness in others.
Janice is survived by her loving husband Harry Lupien of forty years, her children, who will forever carry her lessons of compassion and kindness in their hearts, Lee Sanderson Jr., Jennifer L. Paynter and partner Gary Talbot, Scott Sanderson and wife Brenda, grandchildren, Alex Sanderson, Darren Sanderson, Shawn Sanderson and Owen Sanderson, all of Orange, a cousin, Rosemary Lyman and her husband Glen, of New Salem.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a son, James Sanderson, sisters, Mary Williams and Susie James and her first husband and father of her four children, Lee Sanderson.
There are no calling hours or a service at this time.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

02/17/2026

February 17, 2026

James E. Cornwell

ORANGE- James E. Cornwell was born in Gardner, MA, on March 1, 1943, to Durward E. (Stubby) Cornwell and Ruth E. (Engwall) Cornwell. He was raised in Orange, attended Orange schools and graduated from Mahar Regional School in 1960. After attending the University o Hartford, CT, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961. He spent 20 years in the Air Force where his career started as a missile mechanic and then retrained to become an Inflight Refueling Technician (Boom Operator) in 1969. He flew a KC-135 refueling tanker with the Strategic Air Command during Operation Young Tiger supporting air operations during the Vietnam War. He then was selected to become one of the three boomers involved with inflight refueling flight testing at Edwards AFB, CA. There he participated in the development and testing of new equipment entering the Air Force inventory. This included the F-15 Eagle Fighter, A-10 Warthog Fighter, E4B Command Post, E3B AWACS, C-130E Combat Talon,YF-16 and YF-17 Fighters, YC-14 and YC-15 Cargo Aircraft, B-1 Bomber, and many systems test. The last test project he was involved with was the new KC-10 Tanker Aircraft, where he was the Project Boom Operator.
Jim earned an Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Air Force Commendation Medals, 4 Air Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, and Good Conduct medals. He retired from the Air Force in May of 1981.
After his Air Force retirement, Jim worked for Calspan Corp in Buffalo, NY, for 17 years. He started as an aircraft mechanic, progressed to aircraft crew chief, and then was selected as the Chief of Maintenance for the Flight Research Branch of Calspan. The Flight Research Branch was responsible for in-flight simulation aircraft that supported Air Force, Navy and NASA projects such as the Space Shuttle, F-16 Fighter, Test Pilot Schools, and new Fighter Aircraft development for foreign countries.
Upon leaving Calspan in 1997, Jim and his wife, Judy started on a career with NASCAR, hauling racing showcars around the country for various teams and sponsors. This job allowed them to visit all the lower 48 states, and with a couple of vacations, allowed them to be able to visit all 50 states.
Jim and Judy moved back to Orange in 2002, where Jim worked for Jim’s Auto one year, before being asked to go back “on the road” with Joe Gibbs Racing and the Home Depot/Tony Stewart Race Team. They worked for Joe Gibbs for 3 years which was highlighted by Tony winning his second NASCAR championship and their subsequent trip to New York where their race car carried NBC’s Ann Curry on a tour of the city with Tony at the wheel.
Jim married Judy Armstrong in September 1964, in Orlando, FL. They have 2 children, Sharlene, a retired Air Traffic Controller living in Long Island, NY; and Donald, a retired Air Force fighter pilot and F-22 simulator instructor, living in St. Louis, MO. They have 6 grandchildren, Matt, Amanda, James and Andrew from Long Island; and Collin and Keenan from MO.
Jim and Judy have been involved with the Town of Orange in many capacities over the years. A few “tours” with Mr. & Mrs Claus definitely highlighted this list. Jim was a member of the Cemetery Commission, Trustee’s of the Soldiers Memorials, Bicentennial Committee, Starry, Starry Night Committee, as well as a member of the Orange Taxpayer’s Association. Jim was also a member and Trustee of the Central Congregational Church of New Salem. Jim & Judy were also members of the North Quabbin Crusiers Car Club. They worked with the many shows the club was involved with, plus finally being able to display their 1971 Ford Torino GT, which they rebuilt and originally owned. Jim was also working on their 1969 Ford Galaxie 500XL, which they too have owned sine new. The ’69 went back on the road in August of 2016, after 20 years of storage.
Calling hours will be Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 12-2 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. a Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation to the Central Congregational Church of New Salem, Capital Improvement Fund, 22 South Main Street, New Salem, MA 01355, the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club, P.O. Box 193, Orange, MA 01364 or to the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 10, 5 Brewster Avenue, Northport, NY 11768.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

02/16/2026

February 14, 2026

Donald D. Ziminski

TEMPLETON- Donald D. Ziminski, age 87, of Templeton, died on February 13, 2026 at home with his loving family by his side.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Kathie (Haughton) Ziminski of Templeton, a son, Kurt D. Ziminski and his wife, Tanya, a daughter, Maureen J. Ziminski, and a granddaughter, Olivia Ziminski. He also leaves his sister in law, Emelda Haughton, and nephews, Reginald Haughton Jr., and Gregory Haughton and their families, nieces, Colleen Richard and Denise Johnson and their families, cousins, Karen, Daniel, Rachel and Leah Ziminski, and Peter and John Gordon. He also leaves his special friends, Sandy White and Bob Peterson.
He was born April 8, 1938 in Gardner, MA, the son of the late Irene (Keyes)(Ziminski) LeBlanc and the late Victor Ziminski. His beloved step-father was the late Gilbert LeBlanc.
He lived in Athol for many years, graduating from Athol High School in 1957. He attended Paul Smith College in New York, and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. He also lived in Phillipston for 35 years before moving to Templeton.
He was a 6 year veteran of the U.S. Army serving primarily in Germany. Prior to the Army he worked at the Minute Tapioca in Orange, MA. Returning from active duty, he worked at the L. S. Starrett Company for 37 years retiring in 2000.
He loved all sports, including hunting, bowling, fishing (especially trout fishing), golf and was an avid water and snow skier. He snow skied for 75 consecutive years.
In his youth, he was very involved in the sports programs at the YMCA under the leadership of Johnny Johnstone and Chuck Stone. Later in life, he coached youth basketball at the YMCA in Athol and Little Legue in Phillipston.
He was a 25 year member of the Athol Congregational Church, Life Member of the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks and a member of the American Legion Orange Post #172.
He and his wife travelled through Europe, the Caribbean, Canadian Rockies and around the United States.
Besides being predeceased by his parents and step-father, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Reginald Haughton Sr., his cousins Joyce Gordon and Richard Ziminski, special friend Ken White.
Services will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange, MA, with a calling hour from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank Care Central VNA nd Hospice for their outstanding care and support.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Athol Area YMCA, 545 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331, Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA 01331, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COME

02/14/2026

February 14, 2026

Carol F. Haskins

ORANGE- Carol F. (Hadley) Haskins, 81, of Horton Road, died Friday afternoon, February 13, 2026 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.
Born on December 13, 1944 in Westfield, MA to Charles D. Hadley and Caroline M. (Filip) Hadley. She grew up in Westfield, attending Westfield schools , graduating from Westfield High in 1962.
After school, she worked for Shield Industries until she moved to Washington DC. She worked in The Whitehouse in the Secretaries Pool for Lady Bird Johnson.
She came back to Westfield and went to work at Strathmore Paper Company. While there, she was teased by her future husband who caused her to flush with embarrassment. She later married him, Brian Haskins, in June of 1970 and enjoyed 55 years together until his death on May 27, 2025.
Moving to Orange, she worked at Cumberland Farms in Athol, than at Extra Mart in Orange and lastly for Adams Chevrolet and Buick until grandchildren came along. She left work to be a babysitter for over 20 years.
Carol loved to cook and many suppers were served. Her desserts were heavenly and loved by many.
Carol is survived by her brothers, Philip Hadley of Westfield and Dr. Charles Hadley of New Orleans, LA. She also leaves children, David Haskins and Christine Hill; her grandchildren, Alexis Simpson (Kyle), Isaiah Hill, Evan Hill, and Nicholas Hill; one great grand child, Bennet Simpson; sisters in law, Janet Alden, Arline Noel, Catherine Campbell (Kerry), Margaret Lawless (William); and brothers in law, Douglas Haskins (Linda), Martin Haskins, Elaine Haskins and Bradford Haskins (Susan); along with many nephews and nieces.
Besides her parents and husband, Carol was predeceased by a son, Thomas Haskins, and in-laws, Albert Alden, Sandra Senak, Stanley Senak, Charles Noel, and Mary Russell.
There are no calling hours or services at this time.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Witty's Funeral Home will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and r...

02/10/2026

February 10, 2026

Maria A. Nunez Diaz

ATHOL- Maria Nunez Diaz was born on November 12, 1952, in the Dominican Republic, where she lived most of her life surrounded by family, culture, and love.
Ten years ago, she made the journey to the United States and settled in Athol, Massachusetts, where she continued to share her warmth and kindness with everyone around her. She passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026.
She was a devoted mother of four, a loving grandmother, and a cherished great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she found true happiness in being surrounded by them.
She had a beautiful spirit always happy, always loving, and always ready to help others in any way she could. Her generosity and compassion touched many lives, and she will be remembered for her big heart and welcoming smile.
Though she is no longer with us physically, her love, lessons, and memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all those who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will never be forgotten
Services will be private.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

02/10/2026

02/08/2026

February 7, 2026

Diane L. Gurney

ATHOL- Diane L. Gurney passed away on February 6, 2026, after a decades long battle with cancer.
She was born on June 11, 1942, in Athol, Massachusetts, the daughter of Paul R. and Helen L. Grits (Abrahamson).
She is survived by her sister, Sandy Helie of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; her son Peter Gurney and his wife Celeste of Aliso Viejo, California; her daughter Pam Suprenant and her husband Rick of Cherry Valley, Massachusetts; and her beloved granddaughter, Christine Gurney Hudson.
After high school Diane graduated from the nursing program at Massachusetts General Hospital and began a distinguished career in emergency nursing. She later went on to earn her BSN in nursing at Central Connecticut State University and her MSN at the University of Connecticut. A trailblazer in the field, her influence spanned local, state, and national levels. She served as President of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) nationally, guiding the profession with vision and dedication. Before her national leadership, Diane also served as President of both the Connecticut ENA and the Massachusetts ENA - roles that reflected her deep commitment to mentoring colleagues, advancing emergency nursing practice, and strengthening the professional community. She worked in Emergency Departments around the country, and together with colleagues created trauma and education programs at several New England hospitals.
Beyond her remarkable career, Diane’s life was defined by her love for her family and the friendships she built and faithfully maintained. No matter the occasion she was the first-person people turned to, as she was always generous with her time, guidance, and care. She found joy in the simple pleasures – dogs of all kinds, beaches, lighthouses, travel, and anything purple. Diane was fiercely competitive at any game table and was arguably the most organized person on the planet.
After a lifetime of living around the country, she returned home to Athol in her later years. A devoted Catholic, she was an active and faithful parishioner of Our Lady Immaculate Church – where she played the organ as a child. She found meaningful ways to give back to her community through the Senior Center, The Friends of the Athol Council on Aging, and Sharing Our Father’s Bread. Outside of volunteering, Diane was a die-hard New England Patriots fan, enjoyed local church suppers - and the occasional espresso martini at the Lit Club with her friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, in Athol, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, Diane would be honored by contributions made in her memory to the ENA Foundation. https://www.ena.org/about-us/ena-foundation
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

02/08/2026

February 7, 2026

Elizabeth J. Johnson

NEW SALEM- Elizabeth “Betty” Jean (Hozempa) Johnson, 75 of New Salem, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, after a period of declining health.
Betty was born on February 26, 1950, to Raymond I. Hozempa and Elizabeth A. (Palace) Hozempa. She was the only daughter among 8 children born to her parents. Betty was predeceased by her parents and three of her brothers.
In 1974, Betty married her beloved husband, Russell S. Johnson, Jr. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on February 2nd, just three days prior to her passing. Betty is survived by her husband, Russell, her daughter Jennifer, and son-in-law, Gregory Stevens. She also leaves behind her cherished only grandchild, Daniel Stevens.
There will be no services and internment will be private.
If you would like to memorialize Betty, please consider making a gift to the New England Center for Stroke Research at UMass Chan Medical School. Please make checks payable to UMass Chan Medical School and mail to UMass Chan Medical School, Office of Advancement, 55 Lake Ave. North, S1-117, Worcester, MA 01655. Please note NECSR and Betty’s name on the check. Gifts may also be made online at https://umassmed.edu/give
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Witty's Funeral Home will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and r...

02/03/2026

February 3, 2026

Edward A. "Ted" Chambers

ORANGE- Edward A Chambers of Orange went home on January 31st, 2026.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki Chambers of Orange, his sister Katherine Wyckstrom, and his brother Thomas Ian Chambers, both of Homosassa, Florida. He is also survived by numerous cousins and friends.
There will be no services, as per his request.
Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

02/02/2026

February 2, 2026

Dennis R. Bouthillier Sr.

ORANGE- Dennis Bouthillier Sr., 81, of Orange, Massachusetts, passed away on February 1, 2026, at Boston Medical Center.
He was born on April 24, 1944, and was the son of Armand “Butch” and Claire Bouthillier (Bernard).
Dennis was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Crystal Bouthillier (Berry), who passed away in January 2025, and by his grandson, Benjamin Berry, who passed away in 2000.
He is survived by his children: David Berry of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts; Dennis Bouthillier Jr. of Orange, Massachusetts; Kristen Richard (Bouthillier) and her husband Kyle of Rindge, New Hampshire; David Scott Bouthillier of Lexington, Kentucky; and Alisa Bouthillier of Tampa, Florida.
Dennis is further survived by his siblings: Armand Bouthillier and his wife Pam of Erving, Massachusetts; Gary Bouthillier of Dania Beach, Florida; and his sister Judy Bouthillier of Oregon. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.
He was a proud grandfather to Dennis Bouthillier III, Mason Karpinski, Brady Karpinski, Kaycee Bouthillier, Angel Lea Lermond, Michaela Silcocks, and Samantha Berry, and a great-grandfather to Vivian and Naomi.
For many years, Dennis lived in Florida with his family, where he worked as a dairy herdsman, a role he took great pride in and where he loved tending to the cows. He later worked at Pexco in Athol, where he was employed for 23 years before retiring in 2025. Known for his extraordinarily strong work ethic, Dennis was highly respected by everyone he worked with, and his coworkers honored him with an 80th birthday party - a gesture he deeply appreciated and spoke of often.
Dennis enjoyed watching all kinds of sports, especially golf, football, and women’s college basketball. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cribbage, working on crossword puzzles, and had a strong interest in science and quantum physics. Dennis was a man of few words who appreciated a well-timed joke and reminiscing about bygone days. He loved playing horseshoes and, in recent years, began playing co****le with his family during their annual Fourth of July celebration – one of his most treasured traditions. He loved flowers and especially enjoyed the lily garden he shared with his wife prior to her passing.
Dennis and Crystal will be laid to rest together at Erving Center Cemetery in the summer.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

02/01/2026

February 1, 2026

Elvin L. Chartrand

ATHOL- Elvin L. Chartrand, 86, of Exchange Street, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill while snowplowing with his Bobcat.
Born in Fitchburg on October 20, 1939, he was the son of Joseph and Lucy (Thompson) Chartrand and grew up in Lunenburg, graduating from Lunenburg High School.
Elvin was married to Anna ((Orlow) who died February 26, 2023. Elvin was previously married to Dorothy (Goodnow-Daley) Chartrand who died in 1995.
Elvin devoted much of his life to work that kept him connected to both people and his community. He spent many years as a truck driver, traveling cross country and operating an oil truck, before bringing his experience to the Town of Athol Department of Public Works. He served for many years on the Town of Athol Zoning Board and was well known locally as the owner of Chartrand’s Bike Shop. In addition, he was a property manager in town for over 50 years.
Elvin had been a member of the Tully City Council Club for many years helping with suppers, Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties and building the hall addition.
He enjoyed watching Westerns, repairing bicycles, car mechanics, and restoring buildings.
Elvin is survived by his children, Eleanor Hughes of South Carolina, Diana Chartrand of Athol and Scott Chartrand of Massachusetts; step children, Marcia Fernald of Shirley, Michael Daley of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Murray Daley of Boise, Idaho, Mark Daley of Springfield, Vermont, Melissa Martin of Anchor Point, Alaska and Melinda Leavitt of Athol. He also leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his siblings, Elroy Chartrand of Norridgewock, Maine, Eliot Chartrand of South Hadley, Massachusetts, Elton Chartrand of Little Rock, Arkansas, Linda Bricker of Ocean Shores, Washington, and Judith Karkane of Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Besides his parents, Elvin was predeceased by a brother, Erwin Chartrand and a sister, Betty Orlow.
There are no calling hours
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
Interment in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, will be private.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

01/28/2026

January 28, 2026

Jeane L. Harris (Thresher)

WARWICK- Mom passed quietly in her home with her loving family with her, after a long illness.
Born December 10, 1940 in Montague, MA to Hazel (MacDonald) and Elmer Thresher.
She shared her life with her husband William S. Harris for over 60 years at the home they built in Warwick. They raised 6 children together, Shawn Gaida, Tracey Gaida, Lauren Harris (Sarah), Larry Harris (Kelly), Michael Harris (pre-deceased), Melissa Hamlett (Michael). She enjoyed her 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Some of which called her Bubba which she loved.
Mom went to Fisher JR College after most of us left home. After graduating she was employed at UMASS Amherst until retirement after 20 years.
She enjoyed playing cards, trips to the ocean, vacations with her mother and long road trips with her daughters. She was always up to a ride somewhere. Mom was an avid reader until her vision declined. She also enjoyed tole painting, family gatherings, going to Laurel Lake and soaking up the sun. She had great memories of living on the farm in New Salem with her parents and sister.
She was also pre-deceased by her parents, and her sister Bonita (Bonnie) Marz.
There will be no services.
A big thank you to the nurses and aides from Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Witty's Funeral Home will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and r...